Bikers rev up funds for area kids

ARENAC COUNTY — Arenac County Bikers 4 Kids are hosting a Texas Hold ‘em tournament to raise funds for area children and give card players a chance to win some serious cash.

Bikers 4 Kids, a non-profit (501 C-3) organization that has operated in Arenac County for about 12 years, coordinates several events throughout the year to help out area children.

But Bikers 4 Kids hasn’t always been a year-round fundraising effort for children.

Bikers 4 Kids President Mark Foster said that the organization was originally a Christmas program that attempted to ensure children had gifts at the holidays. But due to the increase in members and interest, the program grew.

“We have expanded to help families with sick kids,” Foster said. “We try to keep all of our money local.”

And the latest way the bikers will help out local children is its Texas Hold ‘em tournament at the Bad Lands Entertainment Complex April 5 from 6p.m.-midnight.

Money raised during the tournament, which will be run by Bikers 4 Kids members, will eventually be used to help out children in Arenac County and surrounding areas, Foster said.

“It (money raised) is just going into our general fund. … All the money goes,” Foster said. “Last year we raised almost $40,000. It was our best year ever.”

And while much of the money raised from the tournament will go to children struggling in Arenac County, the winner and runner-ups in the tournament will also get the chance to cash-in if all 72 seats are filled.

Foster said prize money is $2,000 for first place; $1,000 for second place; and $500 for third place.

“That’s if we have 72 people,” Foster said.

Prize money will be adjusted accordingly if fewer participants are present.

Tournament buy-in is $100. To be one of the 72 competitors or to get more information about the Texas Hold ‘em tournament, call 989-836-2460.